‍ ‍As of the 15th of June, 8 cases of H5N1 bird flu have been recorded in WA. They have all been migratory sea birds visiting the coast and have been found from Esperance to Lancelin. The H5N1 bird flu has been in existence in other countries from quite a few years but has finally reached Australia. The virus can jump from visiting sea birds to local bird species, and also to mammal species, particularly sea mammals like seals. It has a high mortality rate and can infect humans, making people very sick, or killing them.

‍ ‍‍Any people out on Boodja who see sick or dead birds, or indeed, sick mammals are encouraged to stay away from them and to report them to the local DBCA officer. Don't touch the sick animals but record their location, get photos if possible, and report it as soon as possible. You can find more information here:‍ ‍‍https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/management/threat-management/h5-avian-influenza-bird-flu

The WKSN AC Chairperson and Acting CEO recently attended a meeting with Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) about required changes to the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation’s (WKSN AC’s) Rule Book.

This meeting and associated work being undertaken is seeking to ensure that WKSN AC’s rule book is complaint with the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) and also the obligations the WKSN AC has under the South West Native Title Settlement (SWNTS) Indigenous Land Use Agreement. The following points provide a summary of the situation:         

1. Implementation & Timing

• Initial implementation of rule changes was indicated for 1 July 2026

• ORIC has now confirmed the timeline will be extended to allow for meaningful consultation with WKSN AC members

• A procedural fairness process will be undertaken, expected to run for at least 2–3 months

• WKSN AC Elections should proceed under existing rules, with a focus on appointing as many eligible candidates as possible.

Registrar / Delegate Process

• The ORIC Delegate will review the rulebook with a fresh, independent perspective and issue formal correspondence outlining:

  • Provisions considered non-compliant

  • Provisions considered unworkable or potentially unworkable

• WKSN AC will have the opportunity to:

  • Respond to the Delegate’s views

  • Propose amendments where provisions are considered unworkable

Please note resolving this matter is important to the WKSN AC and please be reassured that WKSN AC will consult appropriately with Members on any proposed changes to the WKSN AC Rule Book, and members will get a vote on any proposed changes to the WKSN AC Rule Book.    

We would like to welcome the members of WKSN Cultural Advice Committee.

Top - Stewart Hansen (Chair), Valerie Swift, Darryl Eades, Dallas Coyne, Martin Penny.

Seated - Treasy Woods, Debra Michael, Olivia Roberts

Missing - Marilyn Krakouer

Key Responsibilities and Functions

Advising on Country: Providing authoritative advice on land management, identifying "Cultural Lands" under the Noongar Boodja Trust, and confirming who has the right to speak for specific country.

Cultural Protocols: Determining how to honor, protect, and respect cultural knowledge, including guiding "Welcome to Country" practices.

Decision-Making: Guiding regional corporations on matters that may affect cultural interests, such as development activities or environmental management.

Knowledge Protection: Recording and managing how traditional knowledge is shared.

Structure and Membership

Composition: Comprised of respected Elders and knowledge holders 1 male and 1 female from each language group. Menang, Kaneang, Wilman, Goreng, Wudjari.

Selection: Members are nominated and elected by community members.

Recently the WKSN AC Mamang Maambakoort Marine Park (MMMP) Joint Management Committee travelled to Hopetoun to participate in an underwater marine science project.

In partnership with DBCA, the WKSN Joint Management Committee members helped drop 30 Baited Remote Underwater Vehicles (BRUVs) that film and count fish within the Marine Park.

Cultural fire puts the needs of Country first and uses fire to keep Boodja healthy, rather than just aiming to reduce the hazard, which is the wadjela way of burning. We can’t just go and start burning though, first we need to make sure any burns we do are legal, that all the people who do the burns are properly trained, that we have the right equipment, and that burns are overseen by Elders to ensure they are done the right way.